It’s been more than two weeks now since James Harden requested a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, but the future Hall of Famer is still on the roster with August approaching.
Late last month, Harden opted into his $35.6 million option for the 2023-24 season as a way to help facilitate a trade out of Philadelphia.
It was reported that Harden was keen on returning to the Houston Rockets, where he played from 2012-13 to the start of 2020-21 before he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. However, new Rockets’ head coach Ime Udoka reportedly stated that he didn’t think things would work out with Harden in Houston.
At NBA Analysis Network, James Piercey proposed a blockbuster trade idea that has the 76ers dealing Harden to their Atlantic Division rivals in the Toronto Raptors. In return, the 76ers would receive Gary Trent Jr., two-way stalwart OG Anunoby and Chris Boucher:
“Everyone knows that general manager Daryl Morey is more likely to chase a star. Could he reconsider his position for an offer like this one?
After all, the Sixers already have two stars. Joel Embiid is the league’s reigning MVP, and Tyrese Maxey appears poised to make his first All-Star appearance sooner than later.
Meanwhile, they’re somewhat lacking depth. This deal provides plenty of it. The Sixers would be teaming Embiid and Maxey up with one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA in Anunoby. Trent Jr. and Boucher are useful rotation players as well. You may not be predicting this one, but don’t be shocked to see it happen anyway.”
On paper, this would be a great return for the 76ers. Anunoby is excellent defensively, and he’s a consistent threat for 15-20 points per game. Trent Jr. has averaged at least 15 points per game over each of the last two years.
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The Raptors are in a retooling phase, but adding a former MVP in Harden to a promising core led by Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes could help Toronto re-emerge as a contender in the Eastern Conference.
